A Dream Come True
Bellizzis open Italian Trattoria, addition to Italian Market and Deli
Granite Bay View
By Brenda Meadows
“When the food is genuine and the vino divine, you’re at Dominick’s,” I sang to the tune of “That’s Amore.” Meanwhile, Dean Martin crooned through speakers at the new Italian Trattoria that Dominick and Raquel Bellizzi added to their Italian Market and Deli, 8521 Auburn-Folsom Road in the Village Shopping Center.
The more elegant restaurant opened on Valentine’s Day and is the culmination of Dominick’s dream. While my dining companion and I read the eatery’s menu, I couldn’t help but notice the Tuscany décor, accented by authentic vintage Italian posters.
While scanning the menu of Italian dishes explained in English, we talked with our server Paul Hudson who has been in the business for about 30 years. He explained that the Bellizzis decorated the Trattoria themselves, adding memories of their family heritage as special touches.
Our first course, from the antipasti portion of the menu, was caprese – ripened tomatoes with roasted peppers placed on top of mozzarella cheese with basil and dressed with extra virgin olive oil. Light and fresh, we were pleased our selection didn’t leave us feeling stuffed because we knew our entrees would be served in large portions, as is Dominick’s custom.
“Get ready for a box to take home with leftovers,” Hudson says.
Next, we had a choice of fresh salads or the soup of the day. We opted for both and discovered the Italian wedding soup was our new favorite. The wedding from the soup takes place in the mixture. The meats, pressed into tiny balls, seasoning and broth are betrothed by the chef’s expert hand.
My husband selected the Salmone E Gamberi Grigliato, or fresh salmon and shrimp grilled with fresh chopped tomatoes in a garlic herb sauce. Because I wanted to get a sample of more than one of Dominick’s specialties, the Giro Dell’Italia trio, or “tour of Italy,” was my preference. The dish is a combination chicken parmigiana, baked lasagna and fresh fettuccine Alfredo, all made in-house.
The lasagna sauce is a special family “secret.” Since I had frequented the deli and had partaken of Dom’s delicacies before, my companion was the one to declare, “The lasagna is incredible. The sauce is the best I have ever tasted. I’d rate that six stars!”
Then came that sinful dessert list. I had already forced myself to refrain from finishing the meal I had ordered and packed my leftovers in a “people” box. This disciplined action made me feel good about indulging in banana coconut cake.
The moist sponge cake and banana bites with cream cheese and coconut frosting had only one fault. I wanted a larger piece. I would stop by the Trattoria for this tasty after-dinner treat even after a meal anywhere.
***